Caring For Your New Tattoo
Using recovery derm shield tattoo aftercare
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Recovery Aftercare offers a line of multi-purpose, all-natural products to ensure the healthiest treatment of any and every body modification. Effortlessly protect your new tattoos with Recovery Derm Shield, a latex-free, transparent matte film adhesive bandage. Derm Shield offers maximum breathability and flexibility, providing optimal conditions for flawless, gentle healing and skin renewal. It eliminates scabbing and reduces the risk of scarring, while preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, and abrasion. Derm Shield is waterproof, but permeable to allow skin perspiration, and it is durable enough to keep up with your everyday activities with a peace of mind and body. Preserving tattoo vibrancy, Derm Shield allows your skin to breathe and heal the right way.
just wear the derm shield that your artist applies, leave it on, and after a week take it off and be amazed at how perfectly you've healed, without any work!
The first Derm Shield application should stay in place for 24 hours, depending on level of exudation. It is normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage.
A second application can be used for several days, and a third application may be used if necessary. Gently clean and dry the area between applications. Do not wear any piece longer than one week.
Recovery derm stays on skin even when immersed in water… so you’re able to bathe, shower and swim as normal. It is waterproof, however excessive exposure to water should be avoided because it could weaken the adhesion.
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recovery derm does not contain any kind of sun protection, so you should avoid prolonged sun or UV ray exposure. We do not recommend exposing your new tattoo to UV rays, ever – with or without recovery. Even after your tattoo is fully healed, continue to use sun protection to maintain the integrity of your tattoo colors.
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The best way to remove recovery derm is to find an edge and pull the bandage back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on the bandage can be painful. Rarely, some people will stick to the recovery derm better than others and it can be difficult to remove. In this case try removing recovery derm in a warm shower, the warmth will loosen the adhesive and make if easier to remove. If that doesn’t work then you can use a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil and apply it to the edge of the bandage, the oil will weaken the adhesive and the recovery derm shield will come right off.
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FOr more information you may visit - recoveryaftercare.com
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If your recovery derm shield does come off during healing, you may consult your artist to re-apply a new piece of recovery, or switch to the aftercare below for use without recovery derm.
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Tattoo Aftercare Instructions (Without recovery derm Tattoo Aftercare)
- Remove the bandage after one hour. All wounds need to breathe if they are to heal properly. Do not re-bandage your new tattoo or leave bandage on for longer than the stated time as this may cause over irritation.
- Wash the tattoo using Doctor Bronners Baby Mild Soap or a mild antibacterial soap (such as Dial or Provon) and warm to hot water, this will open your pores and allow blood and plasma to release. Avoid direct contact with water pressure if possible as to not over irritate the tattoo. If showering, make sure to wash your tattoo after your normal showering procedure as to wash out any other products and bacteria that may have gotten on your tattoo. Take care to remove all traces of blood and plasma as this will cause scabbing. Do not scrub the tattoo or use any abrasive materials such as a towel or washcloth to wash or dry your tattoo during the two week healing period (Abrasive textured materials also may retain bacteria). Final rinse should be done with cold water to close your pores. Pat it dry with a clean, soft cloth or paper towel and leave it alone for five to ten minutes, until the tattoo starts to feel like the skin is a little tight and dry. This allows for excess moisture from the swelling under the skin as well as moisture introduced by washing the tattoo to evaporate out. It's very important to let your tattoo "breathe" like this any time you get it wet before it gets into the peeling stage.
- Once dry, apply a very thin coat of artist recommending ointment to the tattoo (do not use anything other than the recommended products from your artist) Stay away from petroleum based products as they can clog your pores and suffocate your new tattoo. Only use enough ointment to make it shine, a little goes a long way. Too much ointment may trap bacteria into your new tattoo and not allow the tattoo to breathe, which can potentially lead to infection. Work the ointment in to the tattoo well. Dab off all the excess with a paper towel. There should be just enough to keep the tattoo moist and to keep it from scabbing. Always wash your tattoo before re-applying ointment. Do not re-bandage the tattoo.
- Repeat the cycle of washing, drying, and applying ointment to the tattoo every couple hours as needed for the first 3-4 days (while the tattoo feels tender). Your body knows best. Do not leave blood, plasma or ointment on your tattoo for extended periods of time as this may cause excessive scabbing , over irritation, and increases risk of infection.
- Ointment can be applied whenever the tattoo is feeling stiff or dry but beware of over-moisturizing. Your body will absorb what it needs where it needs it. Apply ointment as needed for three to four days, then you have the option of switching to a regular *Unscented* moisturizer over the counter such as Eucerin, Lubriderm, Curel, or Jergens. (Ointments tend to be thicker and sticky and some clients may find lotion more comfortable after the first 3-4 days. Do NOT use lotion until the “peeling” stage of your tattoo.) Apply moisturizer as needed for the remainder of two weeks. Do not use lotions that contain color or fragrance at all until the healing is complete. (Usually anywhere from ten to fourteen days; Possibly longer for slower healers.)
- You must keep your tattoo moisturized! When the tattoo is kept moist it doesn't have a chance to form excessive scabbing but does form a thin membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. This layer peels off very similar to a sunburn (do not pick and peel your tattoo as this may cause ink to “fall out” and increases risk of infection.) It is perfectly normal to see small flakes of colored skin falling off during this stage of healing.
- You must keep your tattoo clean! However, Do not submerge your tattoo or leave under running water for extended periods of time for two weeks (or until tattoo is healed) as this may cause any scabbing to soften and run the risk of scarring, pour healing, and increased risk of infection.This includes no baths, swimming, Hot Tubs, steam rooms and Saunas. Short showers are best, under ten minutes if possible.
- Please refrain from scrubbing, scratching or picking at the tattoo. This can be very harsh on a tattoo and will cause your colors to fade. Disrupting the tattoo while it's healing can also cause scar tissue and increased risk of infection. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time. Just remember not to pick or scratch no matter what!
- Avoid direct sunlight during healing. The sun is BAD for your tattoo! Whether the tattoo is new or old, to ensure the quality and proper healing, keep it out of the sun. A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause pour healing, dry out your tattoo and could cause it to form excessive scabbing resulting in fading before the tattoo is healed. It will also take much longer to heal completely and promotes scarring in a new tattoo. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun or a tanning bed and make sure you put on a high quality sunblock. Never put sunblock on a tattoo that is still healing. Wait until it is fully healed before going into the sun.
- Following all of these simple steps will ensure that you end up with the best result with minimal complications and your tattoo will stay looking bright and beautiful for many years to come. Remember, your new tattoo is important to your artist, it should be to you as well! Please take care of your new artwork and follow your artists instructions. Please do not listen to friends or other outside influence, their information may be misinformed or incorrect, and your artist knows best for their particular work.
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These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding tattooing.
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CARING FOR YOUR NEW PIERCING
DO NOT TOUCH YOUR NEW PIERCING
- WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY BEFORE CLEANING YOUR NEW PIERCING
-USING CLEAN HANDS AND Q-TIPS, DIP THE Q-TIP IN HIBICLENSE (OR MILD, UNSCENTED SOAP) AND ROLL Q-TIP AROUND THE FRONT AND BACK OF YOUR NEW PIERCING, MAKING SURE TO REMOVE ANY CRUSTY DISCHARGE AND BUILD UP. Moving or rotating jewelry is not necessary during cleaning or rinsing.
DO NOT TOUCH YOUR NEW PIERCING
-USING THE SAME METHOD AS SHOWN ABOVE, RINSE WELL WITH SALINE SOLUTION
-DRY BY GENTLY PATTING WITH CLEAN Q-TIP. CLOTH TOWELS CAN HARBOR BACTERIA AND SNAG ON JEWELERY CAUSING INJURY OR INFECTION.
-DO THIS, AT MINIMUM, TWICE DAILY WITH A THIRD RINSE OF SALINE SOLUTION IN-BETWEEN USES OF HIBICLENSE FOR THE FIRST TWO WEEKS.
DO NOT TOUCH YOUR NEW PIERCING
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING YOUR NEW PIERCING, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PIERCER FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR NEW PIERCING
-Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
-During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.
_Once healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; do not force it. If you fail to include cleaning your piercing as part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate.
-A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because tissue heals from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the interior remains fragile. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
-Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in—do not leave it empty.
WHAT TO AVOID WITH YOUR NEW PIERCING
-Avoid cleaning with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine, or any harsh products, as these can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
-Avoid Bactine®, pierced ear care solutions, and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). These can be irritating and are not intended for long-term wound care.
-Avoid over-cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing. • Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry, and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.
-Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
-Avoid stress and recreational drug use, including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
-Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc. Or, protect your piercing using a waterproof wound sealant bandage. These are available at most drugstores and work best for nipple, navel, and surface piercing placements.
-Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.
-Don’t hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed. • Sleeping directly on a healing cartilage piercing can cause irritation, even causing shifts in the piercing’s angle. Placing a travel pillow, on top of your pillow, and then placing your ear in the opening can be helpful to avoid this